10 Wrong Answers To Common 45ft Container Capacity Questions: Do You Know The Right Answers?

Walther Bernard

Mar 11, 2025 • 5 min read

Understanding the 45ft Container: Capacity, Uses, and Insights

In the world of shipping and logistics, the 45-foot container stands apart as a flexible and effective solution for transporting goods. While the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers are commonly used, the 45-foot container provides unique advantages that make it a preferred option for specific kinds of cargo. This post explores the capacity, dimensions, and useful applications of the 45-foot container, supplying valuable insights for both logistics specialists and businesses looking to enhance their shipping procedures.

What is a 45ft Container?

A 45-foot container, as the name suggests, is a shipping container that measures 45 feet in length. This extended length offers additional cargo area compared to its 40-foot equivalent, making it ideal for larger deliveries or those that need more volume. The 45-foot container becomes part of the intermodal cargo system, designed to be transferred by ship, rail, and truck without the requirement for discharging and refilling the cargo.

Dimensions and Specifications

Length: 569 centimeters (18 feet 8 inches) externally, 555 centimeters (18 feet 2.5 inches) internally
Width: 243.8 centimeters (8 feet) externally, 235 centimeters (7 feet 8.5 inches) internally
Height: 290 centimeters (9 feet 6 inches) externally, 260 centimeters (8 feet 6 inches) internally
Door Opening: 233 centimeters (7 feet 7.5 inches) large, 259 centimeters (8 feet 6 inches) high
Volume: Approximately 76 cubic meters (2,685 cubic feet)
Weight Capacity: Up to 29,310 kgs (64,600 pounds)

Internal and External Features

The 45-foot container is geared up with numerous features that improve its functionality and resilience:

Corrugated Steel Walls: These provide structural stability and resistance to wear and tear.
Aluminum or Steel Doors: Robust doors ensure security and ease of access.
Flooring: Typically made of wood or plywood, the flooring is created to support heavy loads and is resistant to wetness.
Ventilation: Some 45-foot containers are equipped with ventilation systems to avoid moisture buildup and safeguard temperature-sensitive products.
Strengthened Corners: These corners are created to hold up against the rigors of long-distance transportation and stacking.

Capacity and Volume

The 45-foot container uses a significant increase in volume capacity compared to the 40-foot container. Here's a contrast:

40-Foot Container:

Internal Length: 12.03 meters (39 feet 5.5 inches)
Internal Width: 2.35 meters (7 feet 8.5 inches)
Internal Height: 2.39 meters (7 feet 10 inches)
Volume: 67.7 cubic meters (2,393 cubic feet)

45-Foot Container:

Internal Length: 5.55 meters (18 feet 2.5 inches)
Internal Width: 2.35 meters (7 feet 8.5 inches)
Internal Height: 2.60 meters (8 feet 6 inches)
Volume: 76 cubic meters (2,685 cubic feet)

The additional internal length and height of the 45-foot container translate to a boost in volume capacity of about 12%. This extra space can be important for businesses that require to deliver large volumes of goods, such as furnishings, equipment, or automotive parts.

Typical Uses of 45ft Containers

Large Items and Machinery:

Furniture and Appliances: Large furniture sets, home devices, and workplace equipment.
Automotive Parts: Car parts, engines, and other large machinery.
Building Materials: Steel beams, wood panels, and other construction materials.

Bulk Goods:

Plastics and Resins: Large amounts of raw products utilized in production.
Grains and Agricultural Products: Bulk shipments of grains, seeds, and other farming goods.
Chemicals and Liquids: Specialized containers with liners for transporting chemicals and liquids.

Mixed Loads:

Retail Goods: A mix of various products, such as clothing, electronics, and home items.
Industrial Supplies: Various components and materials for industrial applications.

Benefits of Using 45ft Containers

Increased Efficiency:

The bigger capacity of the 45-foot container decreases the number of containers needed for a delivery, decreasing shipping costs and reducing managing time.

Affordable:

While the cost of a 45-foot container is a little higher than a 40-foot container, the extra volume frequently validates the additional expense, especially for high-volume deliveries.

Versatile Applications:

The 45-foot container can accommodate a large range of cargo types, from bulky items to blended loads, making it a flexible option for numerous markets.

Minimized Carbon Footprint:

By transferring more products in a single container, the 45-foot container helps in reducing the general carbon footprint of a shipment, aligning with sustainability objectives.

Drawbacks of Using 45ft Containers

Limited Availability:

45-foot containers are not as widely offered as 20-foot or 40-foot containers, which can make them harder to secure for certain paths.

Increased Handling Costs:

The bigger size of the 45-foot container may require specific handling equipment, potentially increasing expenses at ports and terminals.

Restrictions on Routes:

Some shipping paths and inland transport systems might have restrictions on making use of 45-foot containers, limiting their applicability.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a 45-foot container suitable for all types of cargo?

A1: While the 45-foot container is extremely versatile, it is finest matched for large products, machinery, and high-volume deliveries. For Shipping containers 45 feet or lighter cargo, a 20-foot or 40-foot container might be more suitable.

Q2: How much more does it cost to deliver a 45-foot container compared to a 40-foot container?

A2: The cost of shipping a 45-foot container is typically greater than a 40-foot container, but the boost is often warranted by the extra volume capacity. The exact cost difference can differ based on the shipping route, carrier, and market conditions.

Q3: Can 45-foot containers be stacked on ships?

A3: Yes, 45-foot containers can be stacked on ships, however they may have particular stacking requirements and weight limits to guarantee security and stability throughout transit.

Q4: Are there various kinds of 45-foot containers?

A4: Yes, there are various kinds of 45-foot containers, consisting of basic dry containers, cooled containers, and open-top containers. Each type is designed to meet particular cargo requirements and environmental conditions.

Q5: How do I figure out if a 45-foot container is the ideal option for my delivery?

A5: Consider the volume and weight of your cargo, the shipping path, and the availability of 45-foot containers. Consulting with a logistics provider can help you make an informed choice based upon your specific requirements.

Case Study: Optimizing Shipping with 45ft Containers

Business: XYZ Furniture Manufacturers

Obstacle: XYZ Furniture required to ship big, large furniture sets from their factory in China to a retail distribution center in the United States. They were utilizing several 40-foot containers for each shipment, which was ineffective and expensive.

Option: XYZ Furniture changed to 45-foot containers for their shipments. The extra volume capacity allowed them to combine their cargo into fewer containers, minimizing the variety of dealing with operations and lowering total shipping costs.

Result: By enhancing their shipping process with 45-foot containers, XYZ Furniture saw a 15% decrease in shipping costs and a 20% reduction in transit time. The improved efficiency likewise allowed them to satisfy their shipment schedules more dependably and with higher flexibility.

The 45-foot container is an important possession in the shipping and logistics market, offering increased volume capacity and effectiveness for bigger shipments. While it might have some constraints in terms of schedule and handling, the benefits often outweigh the downsides, particularly for organizations dealing with bulky or high-volume items. By comprehending the requirements, benefits, and practical applications of the 45-foot container, companies can make informed choices to optimize their shipping procedures and accomplish cost savings and operational efficiency.

For those thinking about making use of 45-foot containers, it is necessary to examine the specific needs of their cargo and seek advice from logistics professionals to guarantee the finest possible shipping solution.